top of page
Resources
Art Supplies and tools
​
To get started drawing geometry and painting watercolour mandalas you'll need the following:
​
Paper
The paper you use will definitely affect the outcome of your artwork.
For pencil drawings use cartridge paper, for painting then a heavier watercolour paper is better, to avoid curling crinkled paper as it dries.
There are a host of different textures, and weights to choose from. You could experiment. I tend to use smooth finish paper rather than the very textured as it's easier to achieve fine detail and even lines.
For my workshops I use Bockingford hot pressed smooth 300gsm watercolour paper.
​
Pencils
Keeping your pencil sharp is essential while drawing geometry. The thickness of a line by even a couple of mm will affect the accuracy of your drawing.
With this in mind HB, H and 2H pencils are preferable to softer sketching ones.
​
Paints
Windsor and Newton are my first choice. You can buy whole sets of paints, or individual colours by the tube or little compressed blocks.
​
Brushes
You'll need a flat wash brush, and a selection of two or three round type brushes of varying size. It's useful to have a very fine brush for details. Pro arte offer a good selection of reasonably priced brushes.
​
Compass
In my workshops students use very basic metal compasses (the sort you screw a small pencil into). These are fine, and have the added advantage that you can swap the pencil for a paint brush and draw shapes using paint!
This is fine for getting started, but if you really get into drawing geometry it's worth investing in set of compasses that offers more accuracy. Size may also be a consideration, if you plan to work on a large scale.
Helix or Rotring make nice sets.
​
Ruler
A necessary thing! Metal ones are best as they last longer and keep a clear undamaged edge
​
Buy Online / Mail Order Art Materials :
​
The Deco Shop
Based in Machynlleth, Wales, this little shop sells quality art materials and is happy to deliver locally during the coranavirus limitations or post nationally anytime. Email info@deco-shop.co.uk
​
Jacksons Art Materials
Further Reading
​
Books
​
The Beginner's guide to constructing the universe by Michael S. Schneider
And website: www.constructingtheuniverse.com
​
The Hidden Geometry of Flowers by Keith Critchlow
​
Drawing Geometry by Jon Allen​
​​
Islamic Design A genius for geometry by David Sutton (Wooden Books)
​
Celtic Pattern Visual rhythms of the ancient mind by Adam Tetlow (Wooden Books)
​
Symmetry The ordering principle, a brilliant introduction by David Wade (Wooden Books)
​
The Golden Section Natures greatest secret by Scott Olsen (Wooden Books)
​
Sacred Geometry of Nature by Francene Hart
​
Sacred Geometry Oracle Deck by Francene Hart
​
Explore the Sacred Through Geometry by Paul Stang
​
Celtic Art The methods of construction by George Bain
​
Islamic Design by Eva Wilson
Mandala Symbolism by C.G. Jung
​
The Shakti Coloring Book by Ekabhumi Charles Ellik
​
Holistic Philosophy
Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (book or the audio book is fab)
Earth Wisdom by Glennie Kindred
Lightningbolt by Hyemeyohsts Storm (Hard to get hold of, but if you can it's a beautiful book)
​
Spiritual compass by Satish Kumar
​
The Ayurveda Bible by Anne McIntyre
​
Awakening the Spine by Vanda Scaravelli
​
Children's Geometry Books
​
Mathematics All Around Us by John Blackwood
​
String, Straight Edge and Shadow by Julia E. Diggins
​
Videos
​
​The Mandala of Vajrayogini - 30 min documentary on the creation of a sand mandala in Bhutan
​
The Complex Geometry of Islamic Design - Eric Brourg​
​
​​
General interest websites and podcasts
​
Dreaming Awake Courses in shamanic practice with Manda Scott https://dreamingawake.co.uk/
Accidental Gods
Accidental Gods is a podcast and membership program facilitated by Manda Scott
'We believe that the evolution of consciousness is possible and that the time is now. Nothing is more urgent.
We believe that anyone – everyone – can take part in this: https://accidentalgods.life/
​
​
Home Education
​
Education Otherwise - A registered charity based in England for families whose children are being educated otherwise than at school, and for those who wish to uphold the freedom of families to take responsibility for the education of their children.
https://www.educationotherwise.org/
​
Freedom in Education - Useful books http://www.freedom-in-education.co.uk/
bottom of page